Deere Inks Deal Connecting Farm Equipment to SpaceX Satellites
Deere & Co. said Tuesday it would connect its equipment to SpaceX’s satellite technology, allowing farmers to use precision agriculture features even in areas with poor internet connection, according to Agriculture Dive.
The partnership allows Deere to hook up new and existing equipment to Starlink, a broadband satellite internet service pioneered by Elon Musk’s SpaceX. The tractor giant said it will “enable technologies such as autonomy, real-time data sharing, remote diagnostics, enhanced self-repair solutions, and machine-to-machine communication.”
The new satellite communications service, which includes installation of a rugged terminal and modem, will begin to roll out in the U.S. and Brazil later this year.
While rural broadband and cellular infrastructure has grown over the years, many farmers still struggle to get a connection. Approximately 15% of farms reported having no internet access, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s 2023 technology use report.
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As infrastructure buildout continues, Deere is turning to satellites to allow farmers in low-connectivity areas to still operate the manufacturer’s digital tools.
Read more at Agriculture Dive.
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